Although our school-day programs are still in full swing, this is the time of year when we step back and reflect on our programs, impact and challenges. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished since our launch in March 2011, but we know we can do better. We remain grateful to our friends and community partners who only fuel our commitment to Lawrence kids and families.
Here is a small sampling of some of our 2014 successes:
We are providing soccer and wellness programs to elementary school kids at 4 Lawrence Public Schools. More than 650 students in grades K-4, will be reached. Can you believe we are providing 553 hours of sport, fitness and nutrition education in 2014/2015?
Our first Beyond Soccer high school graduate, Chaskiesha Figueroa, is attending Western New England College on full scholarship. A highlight was Chas’ keynote address at the Catholic School Foundation’s Inner-City Scholarship Dinner in front of 1,000 people. Chas’ keynote was followed by Robert Kraft, yes Robert Kraft, owner of the Revs & Patriots!
78 Beyond Soccer high school kids are playing sports at 13 area public and private high schools and 73% are honor roll students. We anticipate a 100% high school graduation rate over the next 2 years. Did you know the Greater Lawrence Tech’s varsity soccer teams qualified for their first-ever league playoffs and Lawrence High will field its first girls varsity team – ever? We know our programs have had a lot to do with those accomplishments.
We will be developing the City’s first youth soccer field thanks to a state grant to the City of Lawrence and Beyond Soccer’s $200,000 U.S. Soccer Foundation grant.
